On October 9, 2001, I had open gastric bypass surgery. I weighed 415 pounds at the time. For years I had tried all kinds of diets with total failure. I was 36 years old and aside from a few positive things in my life, I lived a life of pain and isolation. My health was failing fast and I knew I had to transform the status of my health.

I have always been overweight. When I went to kindergarten, I was the largest kid in my class. I was teased and ridiculed. As I went through school, I remained the largest person in my class. I had few friends, and I participated in very few social activities.

I sank into a world of isolation where I felt safe, away from judgmental people who glared, stared, and called me hurtful names. The extra weight on my body did not cushion me from the pain the outside world had caused. I became depressed. I rejected everyone. I never hated myself, but I did hate the fat that held me back from so many things life has to offer, and I hated my inability to take weight off and keep it off.

Genetics plays a definite role in obesity. Both my father and mother were morbidly obese. Health problems related to obesity caused the death of my father. My mother is still living but has fought high blood pressure and has had a heart attack. I felt that any of these conditions could affect me at any time.

I am 5' 4” and weighed 415 pounds. I had severe difficulty standing, asthma, joint pain, severe lower back pain, sleep apnea, depression, high blood pressure and stress incontinence. I also had severe problems with hygiene when going to the bathroom. I had to use huge amounts of powder to keep my skin dry and odor free. I had terrible skin rashes and external yeast infections that were very painful.

Every day activities were also difficult. I had difficulty fitting in my car to drive. I always sat down carefully for fear of breaking a chair. I couldn't fit in most chairs and was forced to stand. And of course the emotional pain which accompanies obesity was overwhelming and all-consuming. Each day was a struggle to live. Depression was a constant reminder that something was wrong with me.

I was constantly challenged by my emotions. I faced repeated failures with dieting, disapproval from my family, friends and even sneers from strangers on the street. The anxiety and depression which accompanies this condition are all inclusive. I lived with the reality of it on a daily basis.

My weight loss surgery was the first step in a long journey to find my health as well as to find my self. I wanted to live for many reason. I wanted to experience things I had never done before. I wanted to clean my entire house. I wanted to paint my toenails and buy normal size clothes. I wanted to wear a swimsuit in public. I wanted to ride a roller coaster and have the bar close on my lap. I wanted to take a bath and be surrounded by water. I wanted to live without fear that I will embarrass myself or my family by being clumsy with my weight. I wanted to cross my legs. I wanted to hold my head up high and smile and feel good about myself. I wanted to do thing that normal people take for granted. I wanted to live and I wanted my freedom. I wanted to become a productive person and I didn't want to continue on the downward spiral of declining health.

Well it is now 52 months later and I have lost 225 pounds. I now weigh 190 pounds. It hasn’t been easy, but I would do it all over again. This surgery has saved my life. Life has changed so much for me in so many ways. My health is much better. I am no longer on oxygen. I have no more sleep apnea or swollen feet. I still have joint pain, but my blood pressure is much better. I am now facing an abdominoplasty to remove massive amounts of skin hanging from my abdomen. But over all I am doing very well.

I dared to dream and found that dreams do come true. I am so very thankful to God for giving me a second chance at life.

Tina Carter
South Carolina

Before	After